"With This Ring" By Lola

TITLE: With This Ring

AUTHOR: Lola

RATING: NC 17

DISCLAIMER: Stargate SG-1 and its characters belong to MGM, Gekko Corp and Double Secret Productions. This fan fiction was created solely for entertainment purposes and no money was made from it. Also, no copyright or trademark infringement was intended. Any similarity to real persons, alive or dead, is coincidental.

REQUIRED READING: None

SEASON: Third season, before 'Forever in a Day'

SUMMARY: Just how did Sam get the ring that she is seen wearing in 'Forever in a Day' this is my answer to Ness's Ring Challange -
1. Ring must be from Jack.
2. Story must be SJR.
3. Story must have an SJ kiss.
4. Story must have angst.
and
5. No drabble responses (as much as I love these, I want more than a hundred words for this one!) :> It can be short, just not 100-words-short. :>
6. Does *not* have to have a happy ending. :>

ARCHIVE: Sam & Jack Archive, all others please ask.

SPOILERS: None that I can think of

DATE: 10/30/99

************

I stop at the top of the steps that lead to the Stargate, lead home. Daniel and Teal'C had already gone through. I turn to look back the way we had come. It looks the same as when we arrived. And it was it hadn't changed, but things certainly had, I wonder at the consequences of our visit here. I feel his hand resting on the small of my back, warm and comforting and maybe slightly possessive. His other hand reaches up to cup the side of my face, fingers tangling in my hair. I lean my cheek into his gloved palm seeking reassurance.

I look into his velvety brown as he quietly says, "It'll be alright, Sam." He leans down and his lips brush mine. Softly and gently at first, then ever so slightly I feel his tongue tracing my lips, seeking entrance. I open my mouth to him and he deepens the kiss. It's over all too quickly. He pulls back and looks deeply into my eyes. "Let's go home." I nod and we walk through the gate, just as we had hundreds of times before, but everything was completely different now.

***

Yesterday -

"SG-1 you have a go."

We walked through the Gate. First the Colonel, then me, with Teal'C and Daniel bringing up the rear. The planet looked just as the MALP had shown it, green and peaceful. Nothing out of the ordinary, nothing to indicate that our lives would irrevocably change.

"Carter get your samples, Daniel which way to civilization?"

"Well, judging by the path we could go left or right."

"Daniel?"

"Um, I'd say let's try right."

"Based on?"

I couldn't help but smile at those two. Daniel wrapped up in the wonder of exploring a new planet, completely oblivious to the Colonel's impatience. My eyes met the Colonel's, he noticed the smile I wore and grinned at me in return.

"Well, Jack, that path looks well traveled."

"Then right it is."

****

A couple of miles down the right path we came across a village. It wasn't from a culture that Daniel recognized. This made him even more excited, if that was possible. We walked into the village; a few of the inhabitants came up to us. They immediately recognized the Colonel as the leader of our group and seemed to assume that Teal'C was his bodyguard and Daniel his scholar. I had no idea what they thought of me. But soon I was being pulled off in the direction of a large group of women.

"Major?"

"I, uh, think I'll be alright sir."

Daniel then talked quietly with one of the elders. "It's okay Jack, they're just going to give Sam some more appropriate clothes."

Great I thought to myself, just great, as I was drug off. The last time I had been 'dressed more appropriately' I'd been in a ridiculous blue dress that I couldn't move in then kidnapped and sold. Needless to say this did not make me a happy camper. Why was it always me? Just once I wanted to see the Colonel, Daniel and Teal'C carted off and made to wear some ridiculous outfit.

Well looking at what I was now wearing, I had to admit that it could have been worse. At least I could move. I was in a low-cut peasant type shirt with a bodice and a long skirt. Not what I would have chosen to wear but I could move and other than an eyeful of cleavage showing I was decently covered. I did wonder at what the guys' reaction would be. The last time they saw me in 'native costume' their jaws just about hit the floor.

***

I knew the minute he saw me. I felt his gaze. His eyes lit on me, slowly travelling up my form, lingering on my breasts before continuing up to my face. Our eyes locked, I felt my breathe catch as desire coursed through me. Calm down I told myself, just because he took a long lingering look didn't mean anything. Hell, he might not even have realized it was me, until our eyes met. I smiled tentatively, wondering what his reaction would be. He grinned a bit sheepishly. I released the breath I was holding and slowly made my way over to the rest of the team.

Daniel was deep in conversation with one of the village elders when I reached them. The elder turned to the Colonel, "You're wife is very beautiful."

"Uh, they're not married." Daniel told him, because the Colonel and I were dumbstruck. Where in the world had he gotten that idea?

"I am sorry, she is you're wife?"

"Mmm, no, my wife's not here and Sam's not married."

"Then your sister?"

"No, not related to any of us." Daniel seemed to be as confused by these questions as the Colonel and I were. The village elder's face fell. "Is that a problem?"

"Of course it is. The laws are very straightforward. It is forbidden."

"What is forbidden?"

"For a woman to travel alone with men that she is not related to."

"We were unaware of this."

"Ignorance is no excuse. I am very sorry."

Suddenly we were quickly and efficiently disarmed, we'd never even noticed that the guards had surrounded us during the brief conversation. They started dragging me off. The Colonel tried to stop them and was hit over the head from behind for his troubles. He lost consciousness before he hit the ground.

"Colonel!" I struggled to see if he was all right.

"Wait, wait a minute!" Daniel shouted. "What's the punishment for breaking the law?" Hoping that it would be something minor.

"Death."

We were unceremoniously dragged off to a cell. They dumped the Colonel just inside the cell. There was a table with a pitcher of water and two chairs and a cot. As cells went it wasn't as bad as it could have been. At least it wasn't filthy and vermin infested. Teal'C put the Colonel on the cot. I checked him as best I could, he'd been through worse. His breathing was normal, I figured he'd make a full recovery. I just wasn't sure if I'd be around to see it. He regained consciousness a little while after I had finished checking on him.

"Daniel, what are we going to do?" Jack asked, looking for a way out of their present predicament.

"I don't know."

"Well, I do know that they are not going to execute Carter." He said as a guard appeared with an elder at the door.

"The only way to prevent her execution is if another takes her place," the elder stated firmly. "You have 15 minutes to decide."

"Sir," I started.

"Don't, I am not going to let them execute you over some stupid law. That's final."

"Well, we don't exactly have a lot of time to come up with a plan, Jack. What do you suggest we do?" Daniel asked, hoping he had something in mind.

"I don't know. But I will not let them murder one of my team members. I'm responsible for all of you, if we can't think of something, I guess Ill just have to take your place."

He stated it with quiet certainty, I was looking into his eyes as he said it and knew he meant it. "Colonel, you can't."

"Jack, that's no better than Sam dying."

"You said it yourself Danny, we don't have a lot of time and we don't have another plan."

"Sir, I can't let you do this."

"Major, you don't have a choice, it's an order."

"Sir,"

"Is that understood?"

I looked down at the floor I couldn't look at him and contemplate what I was about to do. I couldn't look at him and lie to him.

"Major, IS that understood?"

"Yes, sir." I replied stiffly, still looking at the floor, hoping he wouldn't guess my thoughts.

The door opened. The elder peered in; "Have you decided?"

"Yes," the Colonel started to reply. "I'll..."

He never even saw it coming, neither did Teal'C or Daniel, for that matter, they were both too focused on the Colonel and what he was saying, on the sacrifice he was making. The sacrifice I knew I couldn't live with. I picked up the pitcher and slammed it into the back of his head. Knocking him unconscious for the second time that day. I hoped he'd be all right, I hoped that he'd forgive me. I figured it wouldn't matter. I'd be dead either way. Hell I didn't even have to worry about being court-martialed for striking my commanding officer. Before Daniel and Teal'C recovered from the shock that my actions had caused, I slipped by them and out the door with the elder, pulling the door closed with a bang behind me.

"Sam!" Daniel yelled.

I looked back through the bars, noticing that the Colonel was regaining consciousness. "I just couldn't let him do it Daniel. I just couldn't stand by and let him die because of me." I knew I hadn't committed a crime, much less one worth dying for, but I knew I couldn't let Jack sacrifice himself for me. Not while there was something I could do about it.

"Sam!" Jack yell, staggering to the door. "NO!"

"I'm sorry sir." I turned away; I couldn't face the anguish in his eyes. The elder led me away, my fate was sealed, but at least Jack would still be alive. There are worse fates in life and I figured living with the guilt and recrimination of letting him die in my place would have been unbearable. There was so much left unsaid between us, so many things I had always thought that there would be time for. Well, there wouldn't be, not now. I just had to think about the good things we had and take solace in the fact that I was doing the right thing, the honorable thing, the only thing that I could do given the current situation.

They led me up to a platform. It looked like something out of the Middle Ages; a hood covered axe man, the executioner, stood to one side. Fear gripped me, this was real, and there was no turning back, no waking up. I took a deep breath and scanned the crowd. There was no sign of SG-1. That was just as well, I wouldn't want them to have to witness this. Just then the crowd parted and my teammates were led to the front. My eyes met Jack's; I silently pleaded for understanding, hoping one day he would forgive me. His eyes held a murderous rage, not directed at me but toward my captors. For one moment I thought I saw understanding in his gaze, but it was gone before I could be sure. They led me to the block; I kept my eyes locked with Jack's. If I could just watch him, I'd be all right. I slowly knelt down, trying to remain calm, not to let my fear show. I've heard it said that when you know you're going to die, your life flashes before your eyes. Well mine didn't, it wasn't the things I done through my life, the achievements and accomplishments that flashed before my eyes. It was my regrets, the things I didn't do. Not calling my brother Mark and saying goodbye before this mission. Not going to the movies last weekend with Cassie and Janet because I had to work. And my biggest regret, well that had to be never having the guts to seduce my commanding officer.

****

She's gonna die. She's actually gonna be killed right before my eyes and there's not a damned thing I can do. Why? Why did she hit me over the head, why didn't she just let me walk out that door? She has so much to live for, she young and beautiful and brilliant. I've had my shot at life, at everything, and I messed it all up. But Sam, she shouldn't be the one dying.

****

"Daniel, do something!"

"Something?"

"Anything!"

"WAIT! Isn't there something else? What if she was a relative, then she wouldn't have to die, would she?" Daniel shouted in desperation.

"No, she wouldn't have to die. But you can not make someone a relative. They are born that way or not. It can not be changed." The elder stated.

"Well, what if she married one of us? You'd asked before if she was married to one of us. She'd be a relative then, wouldn't she?"

"Yes, that could work. Which of you shall she marry?"

"Well, Teal'C and I are already married, so she would have to marry Jack." Daniel pointed to Jack.

"Very well. They will be married." It was a statement, not a question. "Tonight we will hold the wedding feast and they will be joined." And so I received a stay of execution.

The guards took us in opposite directions. Daniel tried to argue, but the elder was adamant. I would be watched over by the women, and the rest of SG-1 would be under heavy guard. The elder was determined that the marriage would take place.

***

Considering they had less than an hour to prepare it was amazing what they accomplished. The hall was strewn flowers; the stained glass windows cast a kaleidoscope of colored light. Tables were set up in a U shape with chairs along the outside. The villagers were just finishing the decorations when we were lead in. I scanned the room looking for Sam. I didn't see her anywhere.

"Daniel, where is she?"

"I'll find out." Daniel went to find the village elder. He came back alone a few minutes later.

"He said she'll be here shortly. You'll need a ring. They wear it on the right hand on this planet. The silver smith is this way, you'll have to pick it out, it's bad luck if the groom doesn't pick it."

We went over to the silversmith. He showed us a dozen or so rings. Most of them were ornate but one of them was a plain silver band, just like a wedding band. Slowly I picked up the band; I stared at it for a very long time. Married. After Sarah and I broke up, I never thought I'd ever marry again. Married to my second in command, my Major. I twirled the band in my hand not quite believing what was going on was really happening. Maybe they had hit me on the head too hard and I was delusional.

Suddenly a hush filled the hall; I turned toward the door, slipping the ring on my little finger. There she stood. I had never seen her looking so beautiful; she took my breath away. The dress she was wearing matched the color of her eyes. The material molded to her form, showing every curve, completely covering her but leaving little to the imagination. And she was alive, vibrantly alive. I had half feared that they had executed her during the time they had separated us. I had dreaded coming to the hall, almost expecting to see her lying dead, pale and cold, on display for all to see.

****

The ceremony itself was short and simple. A few words, a few motions, the sharing of wine from a single goblet, the placing of the ring on my hand and it was over. I was married. I was married to my CO. It was like a dream, I kept expecting to wake up and find myself kneeling at the executioner's block. This had to be a fantasy that I came up with in the last few seconds before the axe fell. It couldn't be real. I couldn't believe I was alive, much less married to Jack.

We were then led to the head table for the feast in our honor. Food and drink were plenty. More than plenty the drink flowed as if it came from a never-ending river. We both drank more than we should have; the situation was so unreal. Just hours ago I had been about to die and now I was married. They say a close brush with death makes you restless, causes a need to prove you're still alive. I think we both felt that way, as if we might wake up to find this all a dream and me on the platform about to be executed. The entertainment was loud and bawdy. I felt every touch of the Colonel's hand, I felt every time he shifted on the bench we were sharing. I felt every time our shoulders brushed, his every breath, it was as if we were in tune with each other, connected somehow.

By the time we were lead away to our chamber I was past thinking. I could only feel and want. And I wanted him with a hunger that I didn't even recognize. It was a fire was burning out of control in me. The door closed, leaving us alone for the first time since my almost execution. I looked into his eyes and saw my need reflected, magnified. Hunger raw and blazing shown in his gaze. He pushed me against the wall, pinning me there with his weight. I reveled in it. Hungrily our lips met, devouring one another. Tongues battling for supremacy. His lips left mine to trail a path of molten fire down my neck. He stopped briefly when he encountered the fabric of my dress. He pulled back and quickly divesting me of the dress. I stood before him naked. His eyes took in every detail of my form, every arch, every curve. I felt myself grow hotter under his gaze. I reached for him, wanting to bare him to my gaze, but he caught my hands in one of his, drawing them up above my head. I moaned, half in frustration, half in desire. His head lowered to my breast, slowly his tongue swirled around, flicking then laving my nipple, teasing.

"Jack!" I moaned, arching closer to him. His thigh slip between mine, spreading them as he slowly raised his. I ground myself into him, groaning. "Please." His free hand swept down my body, fingers tangling in my curls, his thumb brushing me as he slipped his finger in me, testing, teasing, taunting. I gasp, my breath coming fast and irregular. I moaned while he slipped his fingers in and out, my body following his movements, seeking release, needing release, desperately wanting release. I whimpered as his fingers left me, befret at the loss. Only to gasp as his tongue replaced them. "God, Jack! Yes! Please!" I moaned to him. I could feel myself starting to climax; suddenly his fingers were tangled in my hair.

I heard his voice, as if from a distance, urgent and demanding. "Look at me Sam, look at me."

In a daze I opened my eyes and met his gaze as I came. His eyes lock with mine watching me, my every thought and feeling revealed to him. I heard him murmur, "Yes, Sam, my Sam," as my senses slowly returned.

As my breathing slows he picks me up and carries me over to the bed. He pauses only long enough to strip before joining me. He was magnificent. My hands reached out to caress him, this time he doesn't stop me. Slowly I trailed my fingers down his chest; lightly I brushed my nails around his nipples, causing them to harden and him to gasp. I smiled; our lips meet in a long lingering kiss. Slowly I trailed my hot open mouth down to his chest, lightly nipping at his flesh. I straddled him. Running my hands up and down his arms and over his chest. I loved the feel of his muscle, the feel of his slightly furry chest. I trail my lips back up to his as I moan at what his hands are doing to me. His touch is magic, liquid fire. We caress and tease each other, almost past our limits to endure. Then suddenly he rolls and I am beneath him, his fingers weave through my hair, tipping my head back so our eyes meet. Slowly, he enters me, just a little before withdrawing. I gasp, he groans, his eyes never leaving mine. Again, a little further this time, drawing the intimate moment out, savoring it. Slowly at first then faster and deeper. I hear him chant my name, matching the rhythm of our bodies, I slip my legs around his waist, pulling him in deeper. Our fingers intertwine as our bodies strain for release. I gasp his name as I come, hearing mine as he follows me.

I feel him shift. I feel his lips on my forehead. His nose nudges mine. This time is different, the desperation is gone, the need to prove we're both alive gone. This time we explore each other slowly and thoroughly. Delighting in each other's responses, find what arouses. There's a playfulness in our lovemaking. Slowly he caresses every inch of my body, his touch gentle and arousing. He trails wet kisses up my spine as I moan with need. It's almost as if he's memorizing me by touch and taste. There's not a part of me that he leaves unexplored. I shift from under him, pushing him down on his back. My hands trail down his chest as my nose nuzzles his neck. Slowly I work my way down his body, kissing and nibbling as I go. I discover in my explorations that his feet are ticklish, I never would have guessed it. I giggle and unmercifully tickle him 'til he pins me beneath him, suddenly serious. Hungrily his lips capture mine, all playfulness gone, as need spirals out of control once more.

***

I wake slowly, feeling a warm body beside me, curved into mine. I feel comfortable, sated, relaxed, at peace, happy. Yes happy. Slowly I open my eyes, expecting everything to vanish once I'm truly awake. No, I still feel the warmth of a body next to mine. I look up at the ceiling; it's not one I recognize, light streams through the window. Slowly memories return, I look down to the head pillowed on my chest, Sam. It wasn't a dream or a fantasy. Her right hand rests gently on my stomach; I see the ring that I gave her, which I married her with. Married Sam and I, to each other. If that doesn't blow the mind, I don't know what does.

She looks so peaceful, so content lying there asleep. I'm afraid to move, afraid to wake her. Part of me dreads her waking and part of me longs for it. I am at a loss. How should I handle it? I felt her move snuggling closer to me, my arms tighten around her, and I heard her murmur a sound that could be my name. That had to be a good sign, didn't it? I didn't want her waking up hating me, feeling as if I took advantage of her. I know we were both a little out of control the previous night, they'd given us plenty of alcohol and she had almost been executed right before my eyes. Either of those would cloud a Saint's judgement. We had been lost in the moment, but I wasn't sorry it had happened. I didn't regret it. I wasn't looking for an excuse or a justification. In fact, I knew it could be quite easy to get use to waking up with Sam every morning. But I still didn't know what I should do when she woke. Should I pretend to be asleep, letting Sam decide how she wanted to handle the situation? No, that just seemed wrong, hell, she'd probably see through it anyway.

Slowly I raise my hand, gently brushing her hair from her face. "Sam?" I whisper quietly, not wanting to startle her. She snuggled closer, sleep not willing to release her quite yet. That was all right, I'd just watch her sleep. Slowly without my even realizing it I trail my hand up and down her back, just watching her. Feeling her breath. Taking joy in the simple fact that she was alive, alive and in my arms.

****

Consciousness seeps in slowly. Feeling is the first thing I notice I'm cuddled close to someone; I feel the rise and fall of his chest. A hand slowly trails up and down my spine. I can't remember the last time I woke held close to someone. Slowly my brain kicks in, memories surfacing, a touch, a feeling and need. My brain stops as I remember with whom exactly I'm sharing this bed and with whom I now have had an intimate encounter with. I raise my head, not knowing what to expect, dreading what I might see when our eyes meet. Blue locks with brown, the one thing I fear to see is not present. Of all of the emotions reflected in those brown eyes, regret is not one of them. I relax with relief. I know it's wrong, but joy floods through me.

"Sir," I start, not even sure what I want to say, but knowing I should say, do something. His arm tightens around me as his free hand caresses my cheek before his fingers weave through my hair.

"That's a little formal, Sam, all things considered." He breathes, before his lips meet mine. I know it's wrong, I know it's against regulations, but I can't help but respond. He shifts so that we are both lying on our sides. He gently breaks off the kiss and props his head on his hand while resting his other hand on my hip. "I know we have a lot to sort out, a lot to deal with. I just want you to know, that it'll be okay, we'll work it out."

I nod, believing him implicitly. I raise my hand to run it through his hair. He pulls me closer and our lips meet. I feel his arousal as his leg slips between mine. Dimly my brain warns me that while the General might have over looked our transgression last night that this won't be so easy to dismiss. There's no adrenaline rush or alcohol to blame our actions on. Throwing caution to the wind, I respond. Pushing him back, I straddle his hips. I look down into his heated lust filled brown eyes, seeing my want, desire and need reflected there. His hands reach up to cup my breasts; I throw my head back and moan with the feelings that his touch invokes. Slowly he trails one hand down my belly, swirling patterns in my skin, leaving a trail of fire in his wake. His fingers fondle my thighs, coming ever close to wet core, but never touching. I whimper, longing for his touch, but still he won't relent. His other hand curves around my neck and brings my lips down to his. His teeth tug at my bottom lip demanding entrance. Mindlessly my fingers run through his hair, pulling him close. We shift and suddenly he thrusts into me, penetration startling and complete. I gasp his name and rise slightly, still straddling him I lean back as he thrusts back into me. I hear my name, ragged on his lips. His hands settle on my hips as we settle into a frantic rhythm, knowing we're close, oh so close. He pushes me back further as he thrusts deeper into me, I splinter, slumping over him as pleasure so intense washes over me. My last coherent thought is his name as he comes, pumping his hot seed into me.

***

For a second time I wake with her in my arms, our bodies entwined. While the previous night might have been explained away as the heat of the moment, this morning couldn't. I look at her sleeping form, my fingers thread thorough her hair. I knew, in that moment, that come Hell or high water, I couldn't let her go. Suddenly the door opens and Daniel comes bursting in, a worried look on his face.

"Jack! Are you two all right?"

I motion him to be quite; hoping his entrance hasn't woken Sam. I look down at her, still sleeping peacefully. I look up to see Daniel's shocked expression. I have no doubt in my mind that he knows. Hell, the way our bodies are entwined, a person would have to be blind not to guess. I look beyond him to Teal'C, not knowing what to expect. I should have known. He is as stoic as ever, what ever he thinks of Sam and my new relationship not a hint of it shows on his face.

"Daniel," I start quietly, "we'll be out in a few minutes."

"Uh, yeah, sorry." He mumbles as he beats a quick retreat, his face red with embarrassment.

As the door closes behind them, I gently shake Sam awake. "Hey, lazybones, time to get up." I see a smile start to form as she cuddles closer.

"Um," she mumbles, clearly not wanting to wake up.

"Sam, the natives are getting restless."

"What?"

She looks at me bleary eyed and tousled, "We've had visitors."

"What?!?"

"Daniel and Teal'C were just here."

"Did they, umm, that is..."

"Well, I'd say they have a pretty good idea." She groans and buries her head in my neck. "Surely, it's not that bad?" Trying to cajole a smile from her. "We are married after all and it was Daniel's idea." I remind her. I get a glare for my trouble. She pulls away, taking the sheet with her. She wanders the room obviously looking for her clothes. She finds her dress in a wrinkled heap in the corner where I threw it last night.

"Sam?"

"What?" She snaps, still glaring at the dress.

I get up and walk over to her, gently putting my hands on her shoulders. "Sam, look at me." Slowly her eyes trail up my naked body, not quite what I had in mind, but her eyes finally meet mine. "It'll be all right." I tell her, willing her to believe it. She nods slowly. I pull her close, just holding her.

"I better get dressed." She tells me.

"Yeah, me too."

***

We exit the room together and go in search of our teammates. We find them in the hall, just sitting down to lunch. The elder spots us.

"Welcome! Welcome!" He beams, "Come break your fast."

I feel Jack's hand squeeze mine briefly as we go take seats by Daniel and Teal'C. Daniel goes on and on throughout the meal about all of the things he has found out about this culture. I sneak looks at Jack, but for once he doesn't even seem to notice Daniel's babbling. I have to say I'm relieved by it. It saves us from awkward questions. After the meal, we all go outside.

"So we go back to Earth."

"But Jack, were not due back for another day." Daniel pleads.

"I realize that Daniel, but given the circumstances, we should return."

Daniel nods reluctantly.

"Sir?" This draws a look from Jack and Daniel.

"Major?" He replies, going along with the formality.

"I'd really like to get my clothes back, before we go."

"Right. Of course."

***

We make our way back to the gate.

"You know," Daniel starts, "The General, will have to understand. I mean they were going to kill you, Sam."

"It's against regulations, Daniel."

"But there were extenuating circumstances."

"Be that as it may, Daniel. Besides it might not even be a legal marriage."

"Well, they were willing to recognize Sha're as my wife, so you and Jack would fall into the same situation."

I looked at Jacks back, wondering if he could hear the discussion. Wondering what he was thinking. God, I didn't even know what I was thinking. But I couldn't imagine the General just looking at us and saying That's nice, kids, take a few weeks off for a honeymoon." The gate came into view, the hour of reckoning close at hand.

"Daniel, dial us home." With that Jack walks toward me. And Daniel goes to the DHD. Once the Gate engages I send the iris code through and he motions Teal'C and Daniel to go a head. We stare at each other for countless seconds, then advance to the gate.

~~~~~~~

The End.